US oil coalition urges Obama to allow Keystone XL

The American Petroleum Institute (API) along with more than a hundred industry organizations sent a letter to President Obama urging him to swiftly approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline. API said it would also launch a new TV ad that will run in key states.

Keywords:

The American Petroleum Institute (API) along with more than
a hundred industry organizations from across the country sent a
letter to President Obama urging him to swiftly approve the
Keystone XL pipeline, the groups said on Wednesday.

"As the president has said 'we can't wait' to create jobs in
this weak economy," said API chief executive Jack Gerard.

"President Obama needs to show he is serious about job
creation, Gerard continued. He can immediately put
thousands of Americans to work by approving this pipeline.

Our country needs this shovel ready project because it will create jobs,
boost our national security, and spur economic growth. It's a
win- win proposition. "

The letter to the White House states that
"Canada is already our largest supplier of imported oil 
almost 2.4 million barrels per day, or one fourth of our
imports.

"With this proposed pipeline, our crude imports from Canada
could reach 4 million barrels a day by 2020, twice what we
currently import from the Persian Gulf," the letter continues.
"Enhancing our energy partnership with Canada will strengthen
America's energy future."

"We should not pass up an opportunity to secure more stable
supplies of energy for our growing needs," said Gerard. "After
more than three years of exhaustive reviews it's time to build
this pipeline.

Keystone has the support of organized labor, mayors
and veterans groups from across the country, Gerard
added. Many Democrats and Republicans in Congress have
spoken out in support of Keystone.

We hope these voices will be heard. President Obama
needs to do the right thing and approve this project.

API said it would also launch a new television ad that
will run in key states starting this week, including Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska,
Ohio and in Washington DC.